How to Get Rid of Excess Water Without Pills

by
BETH RIFKIN Last Updated: Jul 18, 2017

Beth Rifkin

Based in San Francisco, Beth Rifkin has been writing health- and fitness-related articles since 2005. Her bylines include "Tennis Life," "Ms. Fitness," "Triathlon Magazine," "Inside Tennis," "American Fitness" and others. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University.

Add fresh lemon and lime to your water to flush water weight.

If it feels like you gained several pounds overnight, there’s a good chance it is due to water weight. A unhealthy lifestyle or diet full of white flour, excess sodium or lots of added sugars is the most common cause of water retention, however, some medical conditions or medications can also be the culprit. Though there are prescription pills available to help flush your body of water weight, you can actually achieve the same result by employing a few tricks of the trade.

Step 1

Increase your consumption of citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, lemon, lime and oranges. Citrus acts as a natural diuretic in your body and can help you to flush out excess water weight. Eat a grapefruit with your breakfast, squeeze fresh lemon and lime into your water and have orange slices as an afternoon snack.

Step 2

Consume caffeine, which also helps to naturally flush water from your body. Drip coffee, espresso, green tea and black tea are all adequate choices, in either hot or iced varieties. Avoid adding sugar to your coffee or tea drinks, since the sugar can cause you to retain water rather than release it.

Step 3

Refuel your body with electrolytes after working out, especially potassium, magnesium and sodium. All three of these electrolytes help to balance out the water in your body; a depletion can lead to dehydration, which in turn can result in your body holding onto water. Salted almonds contain both sodium and magnesium and bananas and orange juice are efficient sources of potassium.

Step 4

Drink water. Being dehydrated can disturb the water levels in your body and actually cause your body to hold onto liquids, resulting in you being bloated. Drinking water helps to hydrate and flush the water from your cells.

Step 5

Avoid white flour and sugar; eating foods with these substances, such as white bread, cookies and cakes, can cause your body to retain water, leading to excess water weight. Instead snack on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and lean protein.